Your 35-year-old male patient presents with lower back pain…
Your 35-year-old male patient presents with lower back pain for 2 weeks after starting a new weightlifting routine. Pain increases with forward bending, prolonged sitting, and lifting, but eases slightly with standing and walking. Pain is a dull ache localized in the lumbar region, occasionally radiating into the right buttock. No numbness or tingling is reported. PMH: Right knee ACL reconstruction 3 years ago. Social history: Lives alone; plays recreational football and basketball; works out regularly at the gym. Functional limitations: Difficulty bending, lifting, and sitting for long periods at work or home. Which muscles’ performance are most important to test? Why?